LEMOINE’s Post

Here's a nice Axios piece on ParkScore--and on the role of parks and greenspace in connecting people with each other, combatting loneliness, promoting civic engagement, growing social capital, strengthening communities, and enabling democracy. Trust for Public Land https://lnkd.in/gJqKCT-S

Reading is fundamental to all other learning

Success can be measured in many ways; some businesses boast about their longevity, others claim to be the best in their area, while others rely on their sales or customer numbers. However, in the entertainment industry, success is defined by the outcome of each event. Your reputation is built on the success of your last performance. We believe that exceptional experiences are the key to success in this industry. Therefore, we always prioritize delivering the best experiences at every event. In entertainment, your worth is determined by your last show. #EventSuccess #CustomerExperience #QualityOverQuantity #SuccessMetrics 

Recently discovered the work by the Prevention Institute on the need for park equity, and appreciate their poignant outline of park benefits and strategies to promote park equity. Recommend visiting their work (https://lnkd.in/gbTTYQGE) on goals and actions to support this work. *Below is my imperfect attempt at the takeaways due to word count limits.* - Fund community-based organizations that work in and with park-poor communities to undertake organizing and other power-building strategies to change the structural policies and systems that created park inequities... - Increase local, state, and federal funding allocations for green space and recreation services, prioritizing areas of high need.   - Advocate for formal recognition by relevant government agencies of the existence of park inequities and impacts on specific populations...   - Enact local, state, and federal policies that prioritize budget allocations to reverse inequities in the distribution of park space.   - Secure commitments from sponsors of state and local conservation finance measures (e.g., bonds, assessments, etc.) to include line item funding to ameliorate park and recreation inequities...   - Ensure community input in selecting, designing, and improving parks and green spaces...   - As part of park development efforts, examine the potential for displacement of long term residents, especially renters, and proactively incorporate anti-displacement strategies...   - Conduct comprehensive park needs assessments... to document park inequities and evaluate the efficacy of potential sites and strategies to alleviate them.   - Acquire small and non-traditional parcels in park-poor areas—such as vacant lots, alleyways, public utility right of ways, and unnecessarily wide streets...   - Ensure that parks are safe and welcoming places for people to socialize and be physically active. Pay special attention to the needs of low-income individuals and families, people of color, non-English speakers, older adults, people with disabilities, and women... - Collaborate across sectors... to maximize the reach and effectiveness of park advocacy and planning efforts. Develop partnerships... to expand free and low-cost recreational options. https://lnkd.in/gbTTYQGE

In New York City, four iron monkeys, once part of the decor at Riverside Park's Ten Mile River Playground, have been removed to a storage yard on Randall’s Island, a stone's throw from where Robert Moses, the influential yet contentious parks commissioner, once wielded his power. This action followed the resurgence of interest in a segment of Robert Caro’s 1974 biography "The Power Broker," which scrutinizes Moses' urban planning decisions, suggesting the monkeys were a racist affront to the predominantly Black neighborhood. The book accuses Moses of implementing urban planning strategies that discreetly marginalized African American and Puerto Rican communities, including the allegation that he designed low overpasses on the Southern State Parkway to restrict these communities' access via bus to suburban amenities and beaches like Jones Beach. The controversy surrounding the iron monkeys and Moses' broader legacy highlights a complex debate about urban planning's role in shaping racial and social landscapes. However, the article challenges the straightforward interpretation of the monkeys as a symbol of racism. It points out that similar decorations are found in a playground in a predominantly White neighborhood, suggesting a different intent behind their placement. Furthermore, the supposed shackles on the monkeys are speculated to represent the rings children play with in playgrounds, not chains. This interpretation is bolstered by the historical demographic composition of West Harlem during the 1930s, which contradicts the assertion that the playground was situated in a predominantly Black area. The discourse around Moses, including the design of parkway overpasses to potentially limit minority access to certain public spaces, illustrates the intricate ways in which infrastructure can embody and perpetuate social divisions. Yet, this account is met with nuanced perspectives that challenge the simplicity of labeling Moses' actions as solely motivated by racial prejudice. His contributions to New York's public spaces and infrastructure are undeniable, though his legacy remains marred by allegations of racial discrimination. The fate of the monkeys, amidst this reevaluation of Moses' impact on New York City, emphasizes the ongoing dialogue about historical memory, urban planning, and social justice. Their removal from Riverside Park reflects not just a moment of controversy but a broader reconsideration of the symbols we maintain in our public spaces and the histories they represent. #RobertMoses #UrbanPlanning #SocialJustice #NYCHistory #PublicSpaces #ThePowerBroker #Infrastructure #RacialEquity #LegacyReevaluation

Democracy is a lot bigger than any 🗳 single election, and it's bigger than our ⚖ political system. As we experience extreme levels of toxic polarization, division, and loneliness in this country, each of us needs to orient our work (and life) in a way that 🤝 strengthens democratic norms, processes, and cultures in our local communities. I'm thrilled to see Trust for Public Land's 🔬 latest research and thinking on the pivotal role that 🏞 parks play in fostering democracy, justice, and social cohesion published in 📑 the Stanford Social Innovation Review last week. In the article, my co-authors and I highlight powerful case studies that demonstrate how parks serve as vital spaces for community engagement, activism, and the cultivation of democratic values through activities like community organizing, land stewardship, and creative placemaking. Each of us has a part to play in making our democracy work. And I promise you don't have to look much farther than your local park to get involved and take action. 💚 🌳 👊

ONE OF IOWA'S FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITIES FOR ALL AGE GROUPS: ANKENY Did You Know? 🌟 Ankeny is not just a great place to live—it's a community full of surprises and hidden gems! Here are some fun facts about our beloved city: 1. Rapid Growth - Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, with a thriving economy and expanding residential areas. 📈 2. Education Excellence - Our schools consistently rank among the best in the state for academic performance. 🏫 3. Parks and Recreation - With over 40 parks and sports facilities, Ankeny is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. 🌳 4. Community Events - From summer festivals to winter markets, there's always something happening here. 🎉 5. Strategic Location - Positioned just off I-35, Ankeny offers quick access to Des Moines, making it a prime spot for commuters. 🚗 Isn't Ankeny an amazing place to call home? Whether you're considering a move or just curious about the area, let's explore what makes Ankeny truly special! #DidYouKnow #AnkenyFacts #AnkenyPride #FastGrowingCity #EducationFirst #OutdoorLife #CommunityEvents #PrimeLocation #LisaYeggeRealtor #ExploreAnkeny

One thought: The power of listening to understand I recently took a Duck Tour in Boston with my kids. It was a blazing hot day, nearly unbearable to be outside, and yet our tour bus/boat encountered a pack of teenagers taking full advantage of the Lynch Family Skatepark. They sped across the flat terrain, flew over the jumps, spun, kicked, flipped–and certainly looked to be having a heck of a time–even in such weather. While their resilience in the heat impressed me, what interested me more was learning how this community hub came to be.  A little more than a decade ago, the spot where this skatepark now sits was a barren piece of land. Today, it hums with activity, thanks to the efforts of Nancy Schön, the sculptor known for Boston's iconic "Make Way for Ducklings" statues. When Schön found that skateboarders were using her sculptures as a playground, she confronted them to ask why. But instead of just venting her frustrations or simply shouting at them to get off (which had been her original plan), she listened to their reason. She heard that these young skaters simply had nowhere else to go. They had tried to have a skate space dedicated or built by the city, but to no avail. So, she took action and helped them advocate for a skatepark. She fundraised, conducted stakeholder consultations,and convened public design meetings to make it happen. And finally, after years of work and countless hours of labour, the park came to fruition.  Schön's journey from adversary to advocate shows how genuine engagement can transform conflict into collaboration. By listening to the skaters and understanding their needs, she catalyzed a movement that culminated in the creation of the largest skatepark in the Northeast. It's a story of perseverance and empathy—one that reminds us, especially in these polarized times, of the transformative power of truly hearing one another. And in the power of listening to find common ground and to create change. -JD #Communications #CommunityEngagement #EmpathyInAction #UrbanDevelopment #ListeningMatters

Parks are where we walk and jog, children enjoy playgrounds, and people meet for social gatherings. They are also a starting point for building community power and strengthening democracy.   The Trust for Public Land developed a framework for enabling local communities to decide how to renovate their green spaces and found that organizing communities to redesign their parks galvanized residents to connect on other issues of shared concern. What started as a parks project became an exercise in community power building and democratic enrichment: “Communities build relationships with their environment and with each other, coalesce around a place-based identity grounded in their shared passion, and ultimately consolidate and exercise community power to transform residents’ lives for the better.” 🌳In SSIR’s new summer issue, Geneva Vest, Cary Simmons, and Howard Frumkin share more about the framework and ways to nurture civic engagement and a thriving democracy through our parks and green spaces ➡ https://lnkd.in/e8bgMN3X #socialinfrastructure #parks #democracy

Outdoor businesses: What do you need to be successful? What challenges are your businesses facing? What ways can collaborative advocacy help you prosper and grow? Share your thoughts in this feedback survey!